Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Every time I read the Harry Potter books, especially Deathly Hallows, I find myself thinking how much easier -- and shorter -- the journey would have been if they'd just taken the time to drop to their knees and ask for some divine guidance. Instead, what do they get? Snape sneaking around the woods at night!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

As I was putting together a cartoon for Kerry Jo's mission blog, it occurred to me that the last panel had an almost meme-like quality to it. Running this doesn't take away from the rest of the gag. I kinda like it.

Monday, May 27, 2013

My grandfather passed away when I was only eight years old. I remember some things about him, but not much.

A few years ago, I came across a notebook that he'd written out by hand, in pencil, that was a series of remembrances about his life: jobs, school, courting, growing up. I transcribed the notebook, added a few photos, and shared it with many of my relatives on that side of the family.

It was exciting to discover so many things about my grandpa. He wasn't just the old guy in my hazy childhood memories. He was full of adventure, and learning more about him explained a lot of things about my own dad!

As you go about your Memorial Day today, remember those people who have gone before and the stories they told!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Locals often tell missionaries that eating the native cuisine will help them speak the language: in Arizona it was salsa or Navajo fry bread; here in the northwest it's salmon or clam chowder. In Korea, it's kimchee.

Sometimes identifying just what the local food is that's the challenge. There were times that the only thing on the table that I recognized was rice!

By the way, it's not long before Kerry Jo goes into the MTC! Keep up with her on her mission blog!

Thursday, May 23, 2013

When we took our students to Europe last year, one of the kids was wearing a French Club shirt. The shirt looked great -- it was silver paint on a black tee. Problem was, the silver paint was metallic...which set off the metal detectors at security!

After the second airport we had a quick wardrobe change. Lesson learned!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Our ward was pinkwashed -- the missionary term for replacing elders with sisters -- a little more than six months ago. One of the sisters has been here almost the entire time.

It's kind of a change for the members (there aren't nearly as many splits with the priests or elders quorums), and they don't have the same sense of humor (fewer jokes about bodily functions) but it's pretty awesome to have them here.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Every now and then, as an LDS cartoonist, I face a dilemma. Sometimes I think of a good gag that might cross that line of being in good taste and being funny.

Some things are fair game, no questions asked: Scouts/deacons, elders quorums, dating, church basketball, and most missionary stuff involving food.

Other things are a definite no-no. For example, references to most ordinances are taboo -- with the exception of baptism. For example, a gag about the high school quarterback passing the sacrament might be finny, but would probably cross that line of good taste.

So I wasn't entirely sure about this one. Yes, we're all about teaching children how to discern the promptings of the Spirit. But is this nudging that line?

I guess I shouldn't worry -- there are other gags that will be much more likely to get me into more trouble than this one!

Friday, May 17, 2013

I recently attended a 21st century communications conference in Portland that featured all kinds of speakers and presenters ranging from professional tweeters to Intel's futurist, who helps plan the computerization of tomorrow. The verdict is that social media is here to stay, and is an important part of the mix in modern communications.

One of the challenges nowadays is reaching people who live off the grid. How do you communicate with the person who isn't on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Linked In? I think here I may have found the answer.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

When we taught Primary several years ago, one of the girls in the class was SO excited because she just got a new highlighter pen and could now mark her scriptures. During class she very carefully chose a page, outlined each verse and then colored in the whole page. When she finished that one, she moved on to the next page and started the process all over again. I admired her enthusiasm!

Well, there was a follow-up to the story, and apparently Rodman had the same idea. He asked Kim Jon Un to "do him a solid" and release Bae. Now, he says that he's planning on going to the North to ask Kim in person.

Weird.

If you were expecting this to be an update on Kerry Jo's mission, sorry! You can keep up with her on her personal blog.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

I don't know how it is elsewhere, but around here we have a "Mormon Prom" that's either the week before or after the high school prom. Usually they try to ensure that everyone has a date, the go all out on decorations, and the whole environment is one of fun while still abiding by Church standards.

Having been a chaperone at both high school and church dances, I can tell you there's a HUGE difference in the atmosphere. And no one, to my knowledge, has been suspended for misbehaving at the Mormon Prom.

About Me

I've been cartooning since I was a teenager, and have been published in magazines ranging from AASHTO Quarterly to the New Era and several other periodicals, trade publications and newsletters.
Feel free to contact me with comments, complaints or questions!